Hey, readers! Today we have YA Adventure author Gregory O. Smith on the blog! Since Greg is a fellow adventure writer, I’m extra excited for this interview. 

---

LB: You write adventure novels for teens, which is of course near to my heart! Why is it important to you to write for this age group? 

GS: Teens are adventurous. They’re out exploring the world around them, diving into sports and service and trying to help make the world a better place for the people around them. They’ve got an idealism and enthusiasm, which, if encouraged, actually enables them to help mankind. They’ve got energy and growing strength. They often see problems in the world and want to help improve people’s lives. It is a time when they are making life choices about what they want to do, who they want to be with, and how they can build a better world. When they dive into positive actions, everybody is blessed.

LB: Yes! They are so full of life! Why do you send your characters on outdoor, time travel, and mystery adventures?

GS: When you deal with nature, the great outdoors, you forget the petty things, the less important things. Engaging with the natural environments around us brings a sense of wonder at this beautiful world God has created for us. When the characters see beauty, even in the desert and extreme icy environments and learn how to deal with them, they grow. It’s the dust storms and the blizzards in our lives that often teach us the most. They grow in capacity to deal with life and its challenges. When they are struck with a wildfire or crash in their lives, then they can learn there is always help, especially from the Lord. The cousins will always try to help each other and other people. I like to think they often represent the Lord and the fact that He will never abandon us, either, even when we feel like we are drowning as were Sarina and Katrina in The Wright Disguise.

LB: You hit the nail on the head with that eloquent explanation! Your Wright Cousins series has intriguing variety – from gold mines to flying in space, and from scuba diving to castle sword fights. How do you research your writing projects?

GS: I have had many interesting experiences in my life. When I was 6 years old, I got to drive a 50-ton M48 Patton army tank across the desert of Southern California to visit a crashed airplane and back. (Hence, the M5 Stuart army tank in The Treasure of the Lost Mine.)

My dad would take us exploring in the nearby deserts and mountains to explore old ghost mines and gold mines. The history was always intriguing to me. As a child, I got to view man’s first landing on the moon, moonwalk, and later “dune buggying” on the moon with the rover. Regarding submarines like in The Great Submarine Adventure, we owned a 14-foot sailing boat and while trying to get a good look at the navy submarines based at Point Loma, San Diego, California, we accidentally ran into one. The Grumman Duck airplane in Take to the Skies? There was a privately owned one at a small airport near where we lived. The horseback riding in The Secret of the Lost City? Our family had a riding stable and we used to ride all over the desert and mountains in southern California and I also used to show horses, English and Western style.

Research-wise, I learn how the equipment works, what it can do, and so forth, through studying books and online searches. I compile the information—text, pictures, diagrams—into a folder on my computer for reference while writing my books.

LB: Those are some interesting adventures, and you’ve put your unique experiences to very good use! I love looking at your books’ covers. Tell us a little about your cover design process. 

GS: We try to draw from action scenes in the books once they are written, think what it might look like—I’m a very graphical person—and then describe it in art. My wife and daughter, Anne, are major helps and resources here in the selection and production of the final artwork.

LB: What a worthwhile family project! Can you share a little about what you’re currently working on? 

GS: I just wrapped up and published book #16 in my Wright Cousin Adventures series. (We do all of our own writing, editing, formatting, illustration, blurbs, and covers ourselves.)

I am currently working on the sequel to my Strength of the Mountains adventure book. It’s going to be quite fun.

LB: I have no doubt about that! What are some primary takeaways you hope readers gain from your books?

GS: That there is always someone who can help us. That every person on this planet is a child of God, our Heavenly Father. That we all can be a lot happier and freer when we choose to do good in our lives. That nature is amazing and interesting and worth preserving and encouraging to grow. Plant a garden or apricot tree or flowers and enjoy the harvest! We can make beautiful things with our lives. God has given each of us unique and special talents with which we can help make the world a better, healthier, and more joyous place.

To decide to stay away from the “traps” in this world, things which will turn you into a slave. Stay away from the addictive things: alcohol, tobacco, drugs, pornography, immorality, etc., that will enslave you and steal your life. Life will be so much better if you do!

Look to a bright future for yourself and your future family, and when you use the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, use it with reverence and respect. Life will be a whole lot better if you do.

Wow, I know that’s probably a lot more than you were looking for. Just get out there and have good old clean fun and adventure.

LB: These are golden takeaways! Where can readers connect with you?

GS: Readers 13 and up can connect through my website sign-up form at GregoryOSmith.com.

LB: Thank you for the fun interview, Greg! Readers, check out Greg’s adventure books and sign up for his mailing list to keep up on giveaways and promotions.

GS: Thank you so much and best wishes.

---

Greg Smith grew up in a family of four boys that enjoyed riding horses, exploring Old West gold mines, and camping in the mountains. As a boy, he got to help drive an army tank across the Southern California desert in search of a crashed airplane! It’s no wonder that writing family-friendly mystery adventure books is a second nature to him. He also enjoys doing family history research to learn about his ancestors and the places they called home.

Hamburgers are his all-time favorite food! (Hold the tomatoes and pickles, please.) Boysenberry pie, topped with homemade vanilla ice cream, is a close second.

Greg and his wife enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. He has been a junior high school teacher and lived to tell about it. He has also been a water well driller, game and toy manufacturer, army mule mechanic, gold miner, railroad engineer, and living history adventure tour guide. Think: dressing up as a Pilgrim, General George Washington, a wily Redcoat, or a California Gold Rush miner. Way too much fun!

Greg’s design and engineering background from Brigham Young University has enabled him to build things people can enjoy such as obstacle courses, waterwheels, and ride-on railroads. His books are technically accurate, humor-filled, and STEM supportive. He hopes you enjoy them and loves to hear from his readers. Share the fun by telling your friends about the Wright Cousin Adventures and Gregory O. Smith’s other books!